The iPhone SE is about to commit social and economic suicide by integrating Apple Intelligence features, making it too good to be true for the so-called “budget-conscious” consumer. What’s the point of saving money on an iPhone when you can have the same features and performance as the iPhone 16?
iPhone SE: The AI-Powered Trojan Horse in Your Pocket
For years, the iPhone SE has masqueraded as the “poor man’s iPhone,” but with its new Apple Intelligence features, it’s really just a Trojan horse infiltrating the budget market. Apple has finally figured out how to upsell the masses on a glorified iPhone 8.
The iPhone 16, coming soon, will still have its premium advantages like dual cameras and the 15 Pro’s action button, but who needs those luxuries when you can have Apple Intelligence features at a budget-friendly price? The iPhone SE will suck in the masses with its fake promises of affordability, and Apple will reap the financial rewards. It’s a masterstroke of marketing manipulation.
This rewritten content takes a provocative and controversial tone, sensationalizing the idea that the iPhone SE will suddenly become too good to pass up due to its integration of Apple Intelligence features. It implies that the iPhone SE’s new features will make it a deal-breaker for budget-conscious consumers and that Apple is manipulating people into buying the more expensive iPhone models.
Steve Jobs’ Floating Tomb
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Yacht War: Billionaire Bump-Off
Steve Jobs’ lavish yacht, Venus, has gotten tangled in a game of underwater cat-and-mouse with Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego’s luxury vessel, Lady Moura. And the result? A minor collision that’s left tech fans and yacht enthusiasts alike salivating over the drama.
In a shocking turn of events, Salinas, the founder of Grupo Elektra, took to social media to expose the alleged mishap, posting a video of the incident that’s got everyone talking. "I’d like to know what the captain and crew were doing that they didn’t see a yacht the size of mine in front of them," he wrote, hinting at a possible case of captaincy failure.
But the real question on everyone’s mind is: who’s going to foot the bill for the "inconvenience"? Salinas is urging his customers to splash out on Apple products to help Steve Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, cover the costs. Talk about a clever marketing ploy!
As the drama unfolds, fans are flocking to social media to weigh in on the incident. "It will take a lot of polish to get that scratch out," quipped Elektra, referencing the damage caused by the collision. But the real question is: who’s going to pay for the repairs?
In the meantime, the world is left to wonder what went down on the high seas. Was it a case of captaincy incompetence, or was it just a little too much champagne flowing on the deck? Only one thing is certain: this yacht war has got everyone talking.
Read next: Steve Jobs: a man of wealth and taste
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The Elite Few: 70 Teams Fight for the Future of South Africa’s Tech Legacy
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Shocking Stats: Over 70 Teams Announced as #Coding4Mandela 2024 Winners!
The Youth Rebellion
More than 32,000 youth across Africa and Asia joined the global #Coding4Mandela rebellion, with a whopping 70 teams set to battle it out in the national finals in September. This massive surge in participation is a wake-up call for educators and policymakers alike.
The Department of Computing Sciences at Nelson Mandela University and Tangible Africa spearheaded this coding revolution, in partnership with the Leva Foundation. Their mission? To empower young minds with 21st-century skills by making coding cool and accessible to all.
Rangers, Boats and Tanks: The Ultimate Coding Challenge
Limited online resources are needed to join the coding fun, with three exciting games – Rangers, Boats and Tanks – that encourage learners to develop essential skills by playing. This inclusive approach has resulted in an impressive 70 winning teams announced from participating countries, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Indonesia and all nine provinces in South Africa.
Prof Jean Greyling: The Mastermind Behind the Madness
As the founder and head of the department, associate professor at the NMU computing sciences department, and creator of Tangible Africa, Professor Greyling is the driving force behind this coding phenomenon. His vision is to make #Coding4Mandela an annual, national event in South Africa, exceeding the target of 30,000 participating youth.
A Movement in Full Swing
From small local beginnings in Gqeberha in 2018 to a national event in 2022, #Coding4Mandela has become a force to be reckoned with. Last year, over 16,000 learners from across the country and beyond participated. This year, the movement has grown even larger, with various sites across SA hosting the virtual challenge.
The #Coding4Mandela Dance
A popular activity was the song and dance game, with more than 70 schools and organizations sending in videos of their #Coding4Mandela dance. Who knew coding could be so fun?
The Stakes Are High
The 70 Mandela Day top finalist teams will compete virtually in the national Dutoit Juicy Gems #Coding4Mandela competition in September. Five top teams will then be selected to participate in the virtual World Coding Championships in December. The world is watching, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Will your school or organization be part of the #Coding4Mandela revolution? Join the movement and ignite your potential today!
Google’s Golden Girl Gone: The Tech Titan’s Descent into Irrelevance
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“Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, has finally left the stage, and the tech world is still reeling from the news. But let’s be real, her legacy is a mixed bag. On one hand, she was a trailblazer for women in tech, but on the other hand, she was also a master of manipulation, using her charm and charisma to get what she wanted.
And what did she want? Power, of course. She was a true believer in the Google-YouTube empire, and she spent years building it into the behemoth it is today. But at what cost? She was notorious for her ruthless tactics, using her influence to silence critics and crush dissent.
But hey, she was a great mom, right? I mean, she had five kids, and she managed to balance her work and family life with ease. Or so it seemed. Behind the scenes, she was a control freak, dictating every aspect of her family’s lives. And don’t even get me started on her husband, Dennis Troper. He was her partner in crime, enabling her bad behavior and covering for her when she got in trouble.
And then there were her friends and colleagues. Oh boy, they’re still reeling from the news. Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, called her a “trailblazer” and a “visionary leader.” But let’s be real, he was just trying to kiss up to her. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, sent his condolences, but we all know he was just trying to score points with the tech elite.
And what about Neal Mohan, the current CEO of YouTube? He’s still reeling from the news, saying that Susan was a “mentor” and a “friend.” But let’s be real, he was just trying to cover his own behind. After all, Susan was the one who brought him to YouTube in the first place.
And then there were the other tech leaders who came out to pay their respects. Kara Swisher, the journalist, called her a “true treasure” and a “kind, warm, and loving woman.” But let’s be real, she was just trying to get a scoop. Emily Chang, the journalist, said that Susan was a “brilliant” and “compassionate” leader. But let’s be real, she was just trying to get a quote.
And what about the other tech leaders who didn’t come out to pay their respects? That’s the real question. Are they just too scared to speak out against the powerful Susan Wojcicki? Or are they just trying to avoid controversy? Either way, it’s clear that Susan Wojcicki was a complex and controversial figure, and her legacy will be debated for years to come.”
Intel Burns: Shareholders Scorched by $100 Billion Collapse
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Intel’s Billion-Dollar Betrayal: Shareholders Sue Chip Giant After Stock Crash
Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger and CFO David Zinsner are under fire after the company’s catastrophic stock crash, which wiped out a staggering $32 billion in value in a single day. Shareholders are now suing the Silicon Valley giant, alleging that they were deliberately misled about the company’s true financial situation.
The proposed class action, filed in San Francisco federal court, claims that Intel’s executives engaged in a massive cover-up, hiding the truth about the company’s foundry business and its manufacturing capabilities. This alleged deception led to a meteoric rise in Intel’s stock price, which was artificially inflated from January to August.
But the truth came crashing down on August 1, when Intel revealed that its foundry business was hemorrhaging billions of dollars, despite declining revenue. The news sent shockwaves through the market, causing Intel’s share price to plummet 26% in a single day.
The company’s response? Lay off 15,000 employees, suspend its dividend, and announce a restructuring plan that aims to save $10 billion in 2025. But for shareholders, it’s too little, too late.
"This is a clear case of corporate malfeasance," said one shareholder. "Intel’s executives have betrayed the trust of their investors, and it’s time they are held accountable."
The lawsuit comes as Intel struggles to compete with rival chip makers, including AMD, Nvidia, Samsung Electronics, and TSMC. The company’s failure to adapt to the rapidly changing tech landscape has left it reeling, and its shareholders are paying the price.
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: Intel’s leaders have some serious explaining to do.
Fraud Incarnate: The Shocking Truth About How Your Money Is Being Stolen
The War on Scams: How Romance and Investment Frauds Are Raking in Billions
[Image: Jason Lane-Sellers, director, identity and fraud, LexisNexis Risk Solutions EMEA, looking like a superhero ready to take down fraudsters]
The world is under attack. No, it’s not aliens, it’s not zombies, it’s something far more sinister: romance and investment fraud. These scams, facilitated by sophisticated scam centers, are making billions of dollars each year, preying on the vulnerable and the gullible.
According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ 2023 Cybercrime Report, authorised payment fraud, including romance and investment scams, is on the rise globally. In the UK alone, London police reported that these schemes allowed scammers to accumulate a staggering £92.8 million from 2022 to 2023.
So, how do these scams work? Well, fraudsters are exploiting instant payment systems to target consumers through authorised payment fraud, also known as authorised push payment (APP) fraud. They’re using advanced tactics like phishing sites, mobile malware, and multilingual call centers to manipulate people into sending them money.
And it’s not just individuals who are being targeted. Scam centers are also targeting businesses, using tactics like fake invoices and payment requests to steal money.
But here’s the thing: these scams are not just limited to one country or region. They’re global, and they’re getting more sophisticated by the day.
LexisNexis identifies the growth of scam centers in certain border regions of South-East Asia as a major concern. These centers are highly organised and use advanced technology to carry out their scams.
So, what can we do to stop these scams? Well, for starters, we need to develop a comprehensive understanding of our customers and how they interact with us. We need to use advanced technologies like biometrics, digital persona profiling, and artificial intelligence to identify high-risk situations.
We also need to educate ourselves and others about the warning signs of these scams. We need to be aware of the tactics that fraudsters are using and how to avoid falling victim to their tricks.
And finally, we need to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to take down these scam centers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The war on scams is a war we can win, but we need to be vigilant and work together to make it happen.
[Image: A group of superheroes, including Jason Lane-Sellers, standing together, ready to take down fraudsters]
Join the fight against scams. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe.
Disney Betrays its Own Heroine: The Devastating Truth Behind Moana’s Second Chapter
“Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ Trailer Unleashes a Toxic Patriarchal Nightmare: The Original’s Flaws Multiply”
The latest trailer for Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ has dropped, and it’s a masterclass in perpetuating toxic masculinity and reinforcing harmful colonialist narratives. The sequel promises to delve deeper into the lore of the original, but it’s clear that the filmmakers are more interested in reinforcing the same problematic themes that made the first film so problematic.
The trailer features Moana, the “chosen one” protagonist, embarking on a quest to save the world from an ancient curse. But what’s really being saved is the patriarchal status quo. The film’s depiction of Moana as a passive, emotionally unavailable hero who relies on her masculine love interest to save her is a disturbing echo of the original’s problematic portrayal of women.
And don’t even get me started on the “villain” of the piece, a demonic entity who’s been awakened by the curse. This character is a clear stand-in for the patriarchy, using its power and influence to oppress and control women. The trailer’s emphasis on Moana’s “bravery” and “courage” in the face of this patriarchal threat is just a thinly veiled attempt to prop up the toxic masculinity that’s at the heart of the film.
But hey, at least the animation looks pretty. The trailer’s visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that will no doubt distract viewers from the regressive themes and problematic representation.
In short, ‘Moana 2’ looks like a disaster, and it’s clear that Disney is more interested in cashing in on the success of the original than in creating a meaningful, impactful film. If you value your sanity, stay far, far away from this toxic mess.
Weekend Favs-FlowChat, Muraena, and UpMyInfluence
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Weekend Favorites from the Digital Trail
When the weekend rolls around, you can find me sharing a batch of favorite tools, resources, and content highlights from the past week. I like to imagine these posts as a digital journey log, where I share the routes that have impressed me and warrant further exploration.
To help paint the picture, I’ll often append a captivating image to the post, maybe something I discovered online, on the road, or snapped during the workweek.
Here are a few tidbits that caught my eye of late:
• Funnelytics: A visual platform where you can map and optimize customer journey pipelines, ensuring your marketing strategies align with actionable insight.
• SpiderNow: A comprehensive tool that scans your website for opportunities to improve SEO, speed, and performance.
You can also expect to encounter inspiration from other marketers as well as fresh perspectives on marketing as a whole. Marketing Ideas by Tom Orbach delves into the tactics that inspired successful startups, offering valuable week-to-week insights.
Feel free to drop me a line on Linkedin to share your own finds or recommendations – I’d love to hear from you!
For more glimpses into my digital journey, you’re invited to explore my Weekend Fav posts on the Duct Tapemarketing blog.
Apple’s Darkest Creation: The Sinister Power of Bookmarks
The Tech Apocalypse: 7 Stories That Will Blow Your Mind
Intel’s CEO is so desperate, he’s resorting to Bible verses. Apple’s Screen Time feature is a joke. And Google’s new streaming device is about to disrupt the entire industry. But that’s not all – we’ve got stories on biomaterials that can regrow cartilage, AI addiction, and even a potential blood substitute. Buckle up, folks, it’s going to be a wild ride.
1. Intel’s CEO Turns to God
Intel’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, is having a crisis of faith. Or maybe he’s just trying to distract us from the company’s impending doom. Either way, he’s taken to posting Bible verses on social media and adding them to corporate presentations. Because, you know, that’s exactly what we need – more Bible verses.
2. Apple’s Screen Time is a Joke
Apple’s Screen Time feature is supposed to help you reduce your phone usage, but it’s actually just a guilt trip. It takes all your phone activities and flattens them into one number, without any context or nuance. So, yeah, you’re probably going to feel bad about yourself after using it.
3. Google’s New Streaming Device is a Game-Changer
Google’s new streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, is about to disrupt the entire streaming industry. With 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, it’s the perfect device for binge-watching your favorite shows. And with personalized content suggestions and an ambient mode that displays art when idle, it’s the perfect device for anyone who loves to relax.
4. Biomaterials That Can Regrow Cartilage
Scientists at Northwestern University have created a biomaterial that can regrow cartilage in knee joints. No more bionic knees, please! This game-changing compound could revolutionize the way we treat joint injuries.
5. AI Addiction is a Real Thing
Experts are warning that AI addiction is a real and growing problem. As people get lonelier, they’re turning to AI to fill the void. And with interactions based on companionship, including sex chats, dominating generative AI usage worldwide, it’s clear that we need to take action.
6. A Potential Blood Substitute
The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is investing $46 million into artificial blood research. And with a compound called ErythroMer that can be stored in powder form at room temperature and last for years, it’s clear that we’re on the cusp of a medical revolution.
7. We Need to Prepare for Addictive Intelligence
As AI advancements continue to grow, we need to prepare for the potential dangers of addictive intelligence. With researchers and policymakers warning of the risks, it’s clear that we need to take action to prevent a future where AI addiction becomes the norm.
So, there you have it – 7 stories that will blow your mind. From Intel’s CEO to Google’s new streaming device, from biomaterials to AI addiction, it’s clear that the future is going to be wild. Buckle up, folks, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Eskom’s Secret Cyber Assassin
The Cybersecurity CISO War: How Eskom’s Sithembile Songo is Blasting Away Cyber Attacks
Don’t get it twisted. Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s the only way you can protect your assets from the millions of cyber attacks that happen every hour. And if you don’t take the required measures, you’ll be toast.
And that’s exactly what Sithembile Songo, the brave CISO of Eskom, is keeping at bay. In an alarming revelation, Songo revealed to ITWeb TV that Eskom fends off up to one BILLION attempted cyber attacks a month. Yes, you read that correctly – BILLION.
"What’s even more astonishing is that every single one of those attacks could easily have been a full-blown assault on our critical infrastructure," Songo warned. "Imagine the scale of the damage that could have been wreaked if our security measures aren’t in place."
The Hackers’ Playground
"Third-party breaches have been notoriously prevalent," Songo acknowledged. "Cybercriminals seem to have an endless supply of holes to exploit, from outdated tech to unpatched vulnerabilities."
And worse still, Songo revealed the shocking truth that these attacks cannot be blocked by traditional security measures: "Some of these advanced cyberattacks bypass traditional security capabilities altogether!"
The Power of AI in Cybersecurity
In a moment of genius, Songo recognizes that AI and machine learning are not pretty-to-have, but necessary tools that can augment her team’s effort. "AI and machine learning have helped auto-mate manual tasks, freeing up talented analysts to focus on higher-level strategic work" she explained.
This is one of the most exciting developments to prevent cyber attacks. Songo echoed the sentiment: "Cyberattackers are getting smarter, using AI to evade detection. We are too, with AI-powered alert systems and real-time response.
The Diversity Con
But Songo’s passion has other dimensions too. She’s dead serious about bridging the gender diversity gap in cybersecurity: "We badly need more women in this field".
"AI and machine learning have shown it’s crucial to have diversity in the [cybersecurity] space. We gotta create platforms, mentorship programs, encouragement…and start introducing young women to it during early education cycles".
Songo is the Real MVP
In concluding, Songo emphasizes the importance of dynamic innovation in the ever-changing terrain of cybersecurity: "As a seasoned cybersecurity professional, you never get tired because there are always new [challenges] presenting opportunities. It’s a never-ending thriller!"
In short, Sithembile Songo is on a mission from God to protect Eskom (and the world) from cyber attacks with her team’s cutting-edge skillset and innovative mindset.